Serpentine Belt, 1996 Skylark Custom 2.4L 4-Cyl.

SYLIS

MEMBER
1996 BUICK SKYLARK

I am about to replace my serpentine belt, but would like a diagram of how it is on. I've checked under the hood, and there doesn't appear to be one any where. I haven't had much luck searching online either. Does anyone have a picture or do I just have to try and remember how it goes on?

5 Replies

SERVICE WRITER

MECHANIC
9,123 POSTS

Good thinking!!
!Most folks pull the belt off and try to figure it out afterwards. The easiest way is to make a sketch of the pullies and routing.

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Saturday, September 22nd, 2007 AT 11:49 AM

SYLIS

MEMBER
10 POSTS

Alright, that helps. Now I have another question. When I tried to pulled the tensioner off the belt, it didn't want to move. It almost felt as if I was loosing the nut on it. It is very rusty.

Is there a problem? Should I use PB Blaster on it to hopefully loosen it?

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Saturday, September 22nd, 2007 AT 12:35 PM

SERVICE WRITER

MECHANIC
9,123 POSTS

You should have the wrench on the bolt on the pulley. IF you did and it's not moving, replace the tensioner. Haven't had much luck in reviving them and having them perform right afterwards.

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Saturday, September 22nd, 2007 AT 6:36 PM

SYLIS

MEMBER
10 POSTS

The tensioner is moving, but I can't seem to get the belt on without it slipping off else where. Any tips on getting the belt to slip on the last pulley? Any proper way of doing this? I don't have alot of room to work with, and I can only move the tension so much before the engine mount gets in the way. One thought that came to mind was can I some how loosen the alternator, slip the belt on, then reinstall the alternator?

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Sunday, September 30th, 2007 AT 2:05 PM

SERVICE WRITER

MECHANIC
9,123 POSTS

Get another person to hold tension while you work it in place. It's tight and frustrating. We use a wrench that is designed for serp belt tensioers that is thin and long. Keeping someone else outta your way. Loosening alternater may give you that little bit of extra you need.